Longview Marriage License

Longview residents who need a marriage license must apply through the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office in Kelso, which is the county seat just a few miles from Longview. The City of Longview does not issue marriage licenses. Cowlitz County handles all marriage licensing for everyone in the county, including Longview. Both people who plan to marry must appear in person at the auditor's office to complete the application. This page explains where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and how to find marriage records tied to Cowlitz County.

Getting a Marriage License in Longview

The Cowlitz County Auditor's Office issues all marriage licenses for people who live in Longview. The office is in Kelso, not Longview, but the two cities sit right next to each other along the Cowlitz River. The drive is short, usually five to ten minutes depending on where you are in Longview. The auditor's office is located at 207 N 4th Ave in Kelso, WA 98626. You can reach them by phone at (360) 577-3005.

Both people getting married must go to the auditor's office together. Washington law under RCW Chapter 26.04 requires both applicants to appear in person when applying for a marriage license. You cannot mail in an application or have someone else complete it on your behalf. One narrow exception under state law allows a notarized signature from an absent applicant in certain cases, but this is not standard practice and you should call the auditor's office to ask before relying on it.

The Cowlitz County Auditor handles more than just marriage licenses. The office manages recording, elections, and other licensing functions. For marriage license questions specifically, you can visit their website at co.cowlitz.wa.us/auditor or call before you go. Confirming office hours in advance is always a good idea since hours can change around holidays or due to staffing.

The City of Longview at 1525 Olympia Way handles city services, municipal permits, and local records. City staff can answer questions about Longview in general, but for marriage licensing they will direct you to Cowlitz County. Call the city at (360) 442-5000 if you are unsure who handles a specific request.

Cowlitz County Marriage License Requirements

Washington sets the same core eligibility rules across every county. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without extra steps. People who are 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian. No one under 17 may obtain a marriage license in Washington. There is no state residency requirement, so you do not need to live in Washington or in Cowlitz County to apply here. Out-of-state couples can get a Cowlitz County marriage license if the ceremony takes place in Washington State.

Each person must present a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card all meet this requirement. The ID must be current, not expired. It should show your full legal name and your date of birth. If your current legal name does not match the name on your ID, bring documents that show the name change, such as a prior marriage certificate or a court order.

You need to provide your Social Security number when you fill out the application. You don't have to bring your Social Security card itself, but the number must be accurate on the form. If either applicant was previously married, you need to know how that marriage ended and when. The clerk will ask for the end date, whether it was a divorce, an annulment, or the death of a spouse. Washington does not require a blood test. No medical certificate is needed.

Note: Providing false information on a marriage license application is a criminal offense in Washington. Double-check all details before you sign.

The City of Longview's official website provides community information, city services, and contact details for local departments, though marriage licenses are issued by the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office in Kelso.

Longview city offices manage municipal functions. For a marriage license, residents go to the Cowlitz County Auditor just across the river in Kelso.

Marriage License Fees and Waiting Period

The Cowlitz County marriage license fee is $172. That is one of the higher fees in Washington State, though the exact amount can change based on state legislation or county decisions. You pay when you apply. The fee is not refundable once paid, even if the ceremony never takes place. Call the auditor's office at (360) 577-3005 to confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods before your visit.

Washington State law under RCW 26.04.180 requires a three-day waiting period after the license is issued. The ceremony cannot happen during those three days. If you apply on a Monday, the earliest your ceremony can take place is Thursday. Plan your application date with that window in mind, especially if your wedding date is fixed.

The license is valid for 60 days after the waiting period ends. Use it within that window or it expires. There is no way to extend or renew an expired license. You would have to apply and pay again. After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Cowlitz County Auditor within the time set by state law. The auditor then records the marriage and issues the official certificate. Certified copies are ordered separately and carry their own fee.

Note: Fee amounts can change. Always verify the current Cowlitz County marriage license fee before your visit.

Longview Marriage License Records

Marriage records for Longview residents are on file with the Cowlitz County Auditor's Office once the license is returned and recorded. The recorded marriage certificate is a public record in Washington State. You can request a copy in person at the Kelso office or by mail. There may be a fee for each copy depending on whether you need a certified or uncertified version.

For records going back further, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds historical marriage records from Cowlitz County. Searches are free. The archive is a useful tool for genealogy research or finding older records that may not be in the county's digital system. Records in the archive typically cover older decades, so it works well when looking for family history data.

The Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide vital records, including certified marriage records. You can order copies through doh.wa.gov. Their office covers marriages recorded across Washington going back to 1968. For records before 1968, the county or the digital archives are better sources. If you want to order online without contacting the county directly, VitalChek provides online ordering for certified copies from state and county offices.

Certified copies are accepted for legal purposes such as name changes with the Social Security Administration, passport applications, or updating financial accounts. Order multiple copies if you need to submit the record to more than one agency.

Cowlitz County Marriage License Resources

All marriage licensing for Longview goes through Cowlitz County. The auditor's office in Kelso processes applications, records completed licenses, and handles records requests. For full details on the Cowlitz County process, including office hours and any local procedures, visit the county page on this site.

View Cowlitz County Marriage License Info

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Longview in southwest Washington. Each one is served by a county auditor for marriage license applications.